NKANGALA – National assembly Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mikateko Mahlaule, has strongly criticised mining companies in the Nkangala region for failing to honour their Social and Labour Plan (SLP) commitments.
Mahlaule, speaking during an oversight visit to eMalahleni, accused these companies of only complying with SLP requirements when applying for mining rights but abandoning their promises once operations begin.
“It is unacceptable for companies to make commitments just to secure mining rights, only to neglect them afterwards. We are determined to ensure SLPs are implemented. These companies must be held accountable because this is the law, and they must do what they promised,” Mahlaule said.
An SLP is a legally binding document that outlines how a mining company will contribute to social and economic development in communities affected by its operations. This includes job creation, skills training, infrastructure improvements, and community support programmes.
Mahlaule’s remarks come after community members and traditional leaders raised concerns with the committee, alleging that major mining companies were failing to deliver on their SLP obligations.
The chairperson emphasised that these failures have long-term consequences, especially for communities in the Highveld, which was declared a Priority Area (HPA) in 2007 due to poor air quality caused by industrial pollution and mining activities.
“The people of Nkangala breathe the most polluted air because of these mining operations. The least these companies can do is honour their commitments to the communities they are affecting,” Mahlaule added.
The committee is expected to follow up on these concerns and take further steps to ensure compliance from mining companies operating in the region.
IMG_4346: Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mikateko Mahlaule, says mining companies must be held accountable for their Social and Labour Plan commitments.
